Wednesday, December 13, 2006

WFMW - Christmas Edition 4


Wow, now that I've done Christmas WFMW for the last three weeks, I feel personally compelled to keep doing Christmas themed Works-for-Me Wednesdays until Christmas arrives.

Here's a cute little ornament that you can make which is inexpensive and looks brilliant on the tree. They're great as gifts (think: kid's friends, cousins, Grandparents, teachers, etc.) and it's a fun project to do with your kids. We did this last year when all my kids wanted to make presents for their friends. We made a bunch in just one afternoon and it didn't cost a fortune.


We bought wooden letters at Michaels (I'm sure you can find them at Hobby Lobby too!) They have smaller chunky ones that are about 3 inches tall or taller thinner ones (about 4 inches). My kids picked out the letters that started their friends first names. (They're only $0.99 each.) While we were at Michaels we also picked out some micro-fine glitter in various colors. You can use regular glitter too, but the micro-fine is more sparkly. It cost $2-$3 a container but it goes a long long way. And we bought small (2-4mm) eye hooks. We had white school glue, old art paint brushes, and thin ribbon, at home so we didn't need to buy those.

We covered the work area with newspapers and set to work. The kids painted one side of a letter with a thin coat of glue and then covered it with the glitter. When that was dry, they painted the other side and repeated the sprinkling of glitter. During the glitter part we were careful to do the colors separately and on a piece of clean typing paper so we could pour the excess glitter back in the container to use again. Some letters needed another coat to cover spots that might have been missed the first go-round. When everything was thoroughly dry, I screwed in the eye hooks and the kids threaded through a ribbons hanger.

Viola! A dazzling ornament to give as gift that was both inexpensive and fun to make. Works for me!




Don't forget there are a lot of other great hints and tips at Rocks in My Dryer.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful personalized gift. These would be great as package toppers instead of tying a bow (not my strength) on top of a present.

Anonymous said...

Great idea. I agree that these would be perfect on gifts and for gifts! I will definitely have to try these for gifts sometime! They would even be great to give daughters friends on their birthdays. Oh, the possibilities. Thanks so much for sharing.

Overwhelmed! said...

I love this idea! In fact, I'm going to Michaels this weekend to buy the supplies so I can make some as gifts for my family. :)

Thanks for sharing!

I’ve posted a 12 lbs ‘til Christmas WFMW tip.

Susanne said...

These are beautiful and a perfect thing I can do with my day home kids! Thanks for the great idea!

Anonymous said...

Great idea. They do look great too. I'll have to have a go at making these with my nieces.

Thanks for sharing this tip.

Anonymous said...

I love this idea! I use these letters for the kid's names in their rooms, but I never thought of using them as ornaments!

Shalee said...

Now this is an idea that even I can do! Thanks PastorMac's Ann!

Michelle said...

what great ornaments!

My Trendy Tykes said...

Great idea!